LA Dodgers Move on to NLCS

Last night the Dodgers completed the sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks to finish the National League Divisional Series. LA moves on to the National League Championship Series for the second straight year. Who they will face might be determined in tonight’s NLDS Cubs-Nationals matchup.

Los Angeles was clearly the better team in the Arizona series. Their pitching staff played excellently and demonstrated how dangerous they can be. Dodgers’ management also seemed to have made the right decision to let Zack Greinke walk, last free agency period. Greinke started against his old team for the 3rd and final game of the NLDS. He performed well but the Dodgers decisively worked him to unfavorable pitching counts, and forced him to walk 5 batters. Los Angeles’ front office’s acquisition of Yu Darvish before the trade deadline has proved to be wise. Darvish helped take care of the sweep, and will prove to be a crucial asset to the Dodgers’ bullpen in the NLCS.

Looking Ahead to the NLCS

Last year the Dodgers season ended at the hands of the Cubs in the NLCS. There is a chance for a repeat of last years NLCS matchup pending the result of the Chicago-Washington series.

LA is looking to reach the World Series, and brush off last season’s shortcomings. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says he has no preference of either Washington or Chicago. The Dodgers are sure to be tested by either opponent, but the chance for an NLCS rematch certainly had LA licking their chops. Chicago has certainly been the hotter team since the All-Star break, but the effect of the return of Bryce Harper to the National’s lineup can’t be overstated.